Entry DescriptionState Representative Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) has authored a bill addressing several issues in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). House Bill (HB) 1307 passed the House today by a vote of 95-0.

“As chairman of the committee on Natural Resources, I carried this legislation to help ensure that DNR is operating in the best, most effective way possible,” said Rep. Eberhart.

Among the many issues that HB 1307 addresses, one of those issues is invasive species. This bill allows for additional activities to take place during a demonstration for containing and reducing an invasive species. Invasive species, like Asian carp, have become a large issue in places like the Wabash River. This bill will allow DNR to act quickly during a threat instead of having to follow a long process before they are able to take any actions.

This legislation also addresses hunting guides who mislead their customers. Law enforcement has documented several instances where hunting guides or outfitters have led customers to believe it was legal to take an animal on a day or in a manner that was actually illegal. Since the guides were not the ones committing the actions, they were not held responsible. This bill corrects that, and ensures that the guides are held accountable for their actions which encouraged the violation.

The bill also exempts a motorboat that is registered outside of Indiana from having to pay the state excise tax if the motorboat is docked on the Indiana part of Lake Michigan for 180 days or less.

“Indiana brings in a lot of revenue from out-of-state tourists visiting Lake Michigan,” said Rep. Eberhart. “We want to be sure that Lake Michigan is as friendly as possible for those who visit our state and spend their hard-earned dollars here.”

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